Alps in Provence? Really? There are actually 3 distinct mountain regions in Provence: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes Maritime, and Haute-Alpes.  I spent a good lifetime of wandering the French Alps by myself, with hubby, with friends, with babies and happy kids…

I arrived to the Alps of Provence after glorious arduous treks in the Andes and in the Himalayas. So I under estimated them. But the Provence Alps proved themselves for the simple reason that on an average trek in the French Alps we ascend and descend +1000 meters a day. Why? Because in typical French fashion we must pass the night at an idyllically situated mountain cabin stocked with great food and wine, by a stunning turquoise lake.

But the alps are not just for hardcore trekkers.

With small children in the summers we camped on river banks or rented a cabin and did “star hikes”. There are lots of attractions, and activities in the Alps in the summer – rafting, kayaking, rope parks, mountain biking, visiting nearby towns, caves, etc. Summer ski resorts are accessible by cable car. The Alps are wonderful and pampering. Clean, clean nature, it is inconceivable to litter. The cute villages provide the necessary goodies at the end of a day trip – a local restaurant or pizza and beer to takeaway to the cabin (or to the tent!).

In winter of course there is skiing. But I actually prefer snowshoe hikes (can be rented) on pristine trails. Local tourist offices provide maps and route information. There are always fewer people on snowshoeing trails as they meander through forests, crossing cute wooden bridges, and always lead to  the shore of a frozen and sparkling lake.  Ski vacation is a family production, totally worth it. You need to know where, when (most importantly!!), and exactly when to avoid French school holidays.

Feel free to contact me to plan a perfect route in the French Alps in Provence or to reserve guidance.